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Having a child brings more joy to a person's life that is incomparable to any other life event. When the time comes to trust another person with your child, the last thing you want to experience is a feeling of regret or anxiety. With all the stories in the papers and on the news involving child abuse, and child tragedies, it is difficult to fully trust another person, especially a perfect stranger with your beloved child. That is why I feel the best person to employ as your babysitter is a trusted family member. These are the people you have known your entire life and know everything about, so you have a good idea as to how they will care for your child.

Family members are the people you usually know the most about. You know how they were raised, their personality traits, and their lifestyles.

Family members know the most about you and your family, they know your house and phone numbers, where you work, etc. There is less to explain to the caretaker because they already are familiar.

You know your family members eating habits, so you know what they will be feeding to your children.

Family members are usually more reliable than a stranger, because they know how important your other responsibilities are and respect you.

Your children will be more important to your family members because they are family! A stranger cannot possibly have love for your child, and with a family member you can be sure that they actually sincerely care about the wellbeing of your child. Thus, the safety of your child will be assured.

If you are running short on cash, family is more likely to understand and may not even request and financial reimbursement. When it comes to family, it is more of a responsibility than a job.

Thus, I feel family members make the best childcare as there is already a comfort level established. I don't think that comfort level is achievable with a stranger and anxiety will be present, preventing you from focusing on your other responsibilities aside from that of your children. Family is always the most reliable source, and these are the people that already love and care for your child/children. You can save yourself much grief and time that you invest in getting to know a person and attempting to trust them with your childs life. Babysitters have access to your home and everything in it, including your children. You certainly don't want to allow a person into your home whom you hardly know.

Learn more about this author, Liz Lagerstedt.
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